Media Contact: Jodi Reng, Director (360) 704-4512 or Susan Hanson, Communications Manager (360-704-4507 or outside Thurston County calling area: (877) 284-6237.

On April 21, Timberland Regional Library (TRL) will be in full compliance with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). The new policy was passed in December by the TRL Board of Trustees. Staff have been enhancing the library’s computer filtering systems and procedures for compliance with the Act’s stricter limits on Internet access. The Act, upheld by the Supreme Court in June 2003, requires schools and libraries that accept federal funding for Internet access to have filtering technology installed on all computers. The filter blocks access to sexually explicit sites, while allowing access to important health topics, such as breast cancer information.

On April 21, the Library’s computer sign-up system for Internet access will change so the access for all minors under age 17 will be set to "filtered-only." CIPA also requires the Library to filter Internet access for all adults (age 17 and over) but allow adults to turn the filter off.

Timberland Director Jodi Reng states, "Timberland wants to work in partnership with parents to help guide their children in making informed and responsible use of the Internet. Also, parents who do not want their children to have any access to the Internet at the library can still restrict their access."

Under the new policy, if library patrons think that an Internet site is blocked in error, they may use an anonymous request form to request unblocking the site. The same process will be available to those who find a site that is not filtered, but they think it should have been blocked.

Director Reng states, "We feel confident now that our current software will allow patrons to find information on almost any subject while being shielded from most unsolicited sexually explicit material."

Timberland has also developed an awareness campaign to caution people, especially children, not to give out personal information over the Internet to minimize possible problems with identity theft and personal safety.

Timberland Regional Library has 192 Internet computers for the public to use. As the region’s public provider of information and life-long learning, Timberland has offered Internet access since 1995 at its 27 libraries in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston Counties. Timberland also provides classes and information on Internet use, recommended web sites and Internet safety for adults and children.

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Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires a school or library to have some type of filter or blocking technology on all of its computers with Internet access, including staff computers.  The filters must protect against access to visual depictions that are (1) obscene, (2) contain child pornography, or (3) are harmful to minors.  The filter cannot be turned off for minors under 17. The Supreme Court ruling of June 2003 clarified that adults, including staff, who are 17 years or older must be allowed to turn off the filter. No one is allowed to view illegal material, i.e., obscenity and child pornography.